Robotic Bucket Handling & Transfer System – StrongPoint Automation

FANUC America Authorized System Integrator StrongPoint Automation developed this – A bucket handling and transfer system – to utilize a FANUC M-710iC/20L long arm robot with a clamp style End of Arm Tool with vacuum assist. Using its custom end of arm tool, the FANUC M-710iC/20L robot depalletizes one stack of empty pails at a time, places them on a bail orientation assembly, and then places them on the existing denester infeed conveyor.

StrongPoint Automation’s custom end of arm tool features aluminum plate construction, Venturi vacuum grippers for slip sheet removal, and a pneumatic clamping feature complete with vacuum assist. The EOAT has mounted optics to ensure the base pail is present during grip and transport cycles, and mounted DeviceNet or Ethernet pneumatics and I/O node. It also includes a sensor to detect load pail positioning, as two different pail patterns were introduced in this particular application.

The system includes a robot perimeter safety fence complete with two safety doors to allow for personnel access to the cell.  Also, a single set of double doors are positioned at the slip sheet accumulation bin to allow for lift truck access and removal of the dunnage when full.  The cell includes an infeed light curtain with muting technology to allow for full pallet entrance. When an operator opens a safety door or breaks a light curtain, the FANUC robot will shut down automatically, but the infeed and discharge pallet conveyor systems will continue to operate. When the operator exits the cell, the FANUC robot resumes operation once the ‘cycle start’ button is pressed and all safety interlocks have been established. FANUC robot safety features are also utilized in the system, including FANUC Dual Check Safety and FANUC Collision Guard. All this, coupled with the FANUC M-710iC/20L’s 20kg payload and 3.11m reach, make this robot an ideal solution for automated material handling and part transfer applications.

FANUC America Authorized System Integrator StrongPoint Automation is at the leading edge of automation. To learn more please visit strongpointautomation.com.